Door assembly for a dishwashing appliance, and associated apparatus

ABSTRACT

A dishwashing appliance door assembly and associated apparatus are provided. An inner door member has a console member about the upper end thereof and is pivotable about a lower end thereof with a tub portion. One of the inner door member and console member includes a first handle device engaged therewith. An outer panel member is operably and removably engaged with the inner door member and/or console member, and extends laterally to substantially cover the second surface and console member. The outer panel member is at least partially disposed between a second handle device and the inner door member and console member. The inner door member is pivotable with respect to the tub portion via the second handle device when the outer panel member is operably engaged with the inner door member, and is pivotable via the first handle device when the outer panel member is removed therefrom.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to dishwashing appliances and, more particularly, to a door assembly for a dishwashing appliance, and an apparatus associated therewith.

2. Description of Related Art

A washing appliance, such as a dishwasher, generally includes a tub portion having a forward-facing vertical opening, wherein a door is engaged with the tub portion so as to be pivotable about the lower end of the tub portion and to close the tub opening during the washing process. In this regard, conventional dishwasher models may include a door configured to have an outward appearance panel that may be interchanged with other appearance panels so as to alter the outward appearance of the appliance, according to certain tastes or décor. For example, the appearance panel may be comprised of stainless steel or wood (i.e., wood similar to the adjacent cabinets). Such appliances may also implement “hidden controls” whereby, for example, the control panel may be mounted to the top of the door so as to be hidden from view when the door is closed. As such, the appearance panel may extend substantially across the entire frontal area of the appliance. In being so configured, the handle for opening and closing the door of the appliance may actually be attached to the appearance panel, or may otherwise be secured to the door assembly such that the appearance panel is at least partially disposed therebetween. Accordingly, if the handle and appearance panel are removed, it may be difficult, at best, to open and close the door until the appearance panel/handle has been replaced.

Thus, there exists a need for a washing appliance apparatus providing readily interchangeable appearance panels for a door assembly thereof, a structurally-rigid door assembly (in the presence or absence of the appearance panel), and a provision for allowing the door assembly to be opened with respect to the tub portion when the appearance panel/handle has been removed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other needs are met by the present invention which, according to one aspect, provides a door assembly for a dishwashing appliance having a tub portion defining a forward access opening and an interior, wherein the door assembly is pivotably engaged with the tub portion and is adapted to cooperate with the tub portion to cover the forward access opening. Such a door assembly comprises an inner door member having opposing first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface is adapted to face the interior of the tub portion. The inner door member has an upper end and is configured to pivotably engage the tub portion about a lower end thereof. A console member is operably engaged with the inner door member about the upper end thereof, wherein the console member is adapted to receive a control assembly for selectively directing operation of at least one operational component of the dishwashing appliance. A first handle device is operably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member. An outer panel member is operably and removably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member, wherein the outer panel member is disposed adjacent to the second surface of the inner door member, and is configured to extend laterally so as to substantially cover the second surface and the console member. The outer panel member has a second handle device operably engaged therewith such that the outer panel member is at least partially disposed between the second handle device and at least one of the inner door member and the console member. The inner door member is pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the second handle device when the outer panel member is operably engaged with the inner door member, and is pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the first handle device when the outer panel member is removed therefrom.

Another aspect provides a dishwashing appliance, comprising a tub portion having a plurality of walls defining a forward access opening and an interior. A door assembly is pivotably engaged with the tub portion and is configured to cooperate with the tub portion to cover the forward access opening. Such a door assembly comprises an inner door member having opposing first and second surfaces, wherein the first surface is configured to face the interior of the tub portion. The inner door member has an upper end and is configured to pivotably engage the tub portion about a lower end thereof. A console member is operably engaged with the inner door member about the upper end thereof, and is adapted to receive a control assembly for selectively directing operation of at least one operational component of the dishwashing appliance. A first handle device is operably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member. An outer panel member is operably and removably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member. The outer panel member is disposed adjacent to the second surface of the inner door member, and is configured to extend laterally so as to substantially cover the second surface and the console member. The outer panel member has a second handle device operably engaged therewith such that the outer panel member is at least partially disposed between the second handle device and at least one of the inner door member and the console member. The inner door member is pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the second handle device when the outer panel member is operably engaged with the inner door member, and is pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the first handle device when the outer panel member is removed therefrom.

Thus, the various aspects of the present invention provide advantages, as otherwise detailed herein, that may include, but are not limited to: providing a dishwashing appliance including a door assembly having readily interchangeable outer appearance panels, a structurally-rigid door assembly (in the presence or absence of the outer appearance panel), and a provision for facilitating pivoting of the door assembly between opened and closed positions with respect to the tub portion when the outer appearance panel is removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described various embodiments of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dishwasher capable of implementing various embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective and partial perspective views, respectively, of a dishwasher door assembly having an outer (appearance) panel member removed therefrom, wherein the door assembly includes a primary handle device and a console member disposed about an upper end of an inner door member, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are a perspective and partial perspective views, respectively, of a dishwasher door assembly having an outer (appearance) panel member removed therefrom, wherein the door assembly includes a primary handle device, a medial panel member, and a console member disposed about an upper end of an inner door member, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a medial panel member having an embossed structure about the lower end thereof for providing structural rigidity therefor, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a dishwasher door assembly having various removable outer (appearance) panel members, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a dishwasher door assembly, according to one embodiment of the present invention, having a removable outer (appearance) panel member with first portions of an engagement mechanism configured to selectively engage complementary second portions of the engagement mechanism for facilitating attachment of the outer panel to other components of the door assembly having the second portions associated therewith;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a dishwasher door assembly having a removable outer (appearance) panel member, according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a dishwasher door assembly having a console member disposed between an inner door member and an outer (appearance) panel member, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates one example of a dishwashing appliance, such as a dishwasher 10, capable of implementing various embodiments of the present invention. Such a dishwasher 10 typically includes a tub portion 12 (partly broken away in FIG. 1 to show internal details, and also referred to herein as “tub” or “tub 12”) having a plurality of walls (e.g., side wall 13) for forming an enclosure in which dishes, utensils, and other dishware may be placed for washing. The tub portion 12 may also define a forward access opening, generally designated as 16. As known in the art, the dishwasher 10 may also include slidable lower and upper racks (not shown) for holding the dishes, utensils, and dishware to be washed. The tub portion 12 may define a sump, generally designated as 14, in which wash water or rinse water is collected, typically under the influence of gravity. The wash/rinse water may be pumped by a pump 15 out of the sump 14 to various spray arms 20 mounted in the interior of the tub portion 12 for spraying the wash/rinse water, under pressure, onto the dishes, utensils, and other dishware contained therein. The pump 15 and/or other operational components (e.g., circulation pump, drain pump, water valve) may be housed, disposed, or otherwise positioned within a base portion/component 22 positioned beneath the tub portion 12, wherein the base portion 22 receives and supports a lower end, generally designated as 18, of the tub portion 12. In some instances, the base portion 22 may be a separate component with respect to the tub portion 12, such as, for example, a molded polymer component, while in other instances the base portion 22 may be integral with the tub portion 12 such that the side walls forming the tub portion 12 also at least partially form the base portion 22.

A door assembly 50 may be pivotably engaged with the tub portion 12 about the lower end 18 thereof so as to selectively permit access to the interior of the tub portion 12. That is, a lower edge 26 of the door assembly 50 may be pivotably engaged (i.e., hinged) with the lower end 18 of the tub portion 12 such that the door assembly 50 is pivotable about the lower edge 26 thereof to cover and seal the forward access opening 16 in a closed position when the dishwasher 10 is in operation, and to provide access to the interior of the tub portion 12 through the forward access opening 16 when the door assembly 50 is pivoted from the closed position to an open position. The door assembly 50 may include a primary handle device 24 (“second handle device”) engaged with an outer surface 28 thereof, wherein the primary handle device 24 is configured as a graspable member for a user to grasp and exert a force on the door assembly 50 to facilitate pivoting thereof between the closed and open positions. In some embodiments, a pair of laterally spaced-apart hinge members (not shown) may be utilized to operably engage the door assembly 50 with the tub portion 12. Such hinge members may be configured to facilitate the pivoting engagement of the door assembly 50 with the tub portion 12 for pivoting the door assembly 50 between a substantially vertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position. In order to maintain the door assembly 50 in the closed position with respect to the tub portion 12, a latch assembly (not shown) may be associated with the door assembly 50 or the tub portion 12, and configured to interact with the other of the door assembly 50 and the tub portion 12, to form a releasable securement therebetween. For example, the latch assembly may comprise, for example, a pull-type latch such as a magnetically-operable latch, a frictionally-operable latch, or an electro-mechanically-operable latch.

The dishwasher 10 may further include a console member 100 disposed about an upper end 52 of the door assembly 50 and mounted thereon or otherwise engaged therewith. The console member 100 may be configured to receive a control assembly 102 (see, e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8) configured to direct the operation/actuation of various operational components of the dishwasher 10. That is, the console member 100 comprises a control assembly 102 which may include, for example, a circuit board, a timer device, and/or other control unit (for controlling certain aspects of the dishwasher 10) that may be in electrical communication with one or more control actuators and/or user interfaces, which may also be mounted in/on the console member 100/door assembly 50 of the dishwasher 10, or otherwise associated with the door assembly 50. The control assembly 102 may further be in communication, via a wiring arrangement (not shown), such as, for example, a wiring harness, with various operational components (e.g., circulation pump, drain pump, water valve) of the dishwasher 10, wherein such operational components may thus be controlled via the control assembly 102, as initiated through the control actuators and/or user interfaces associated with the console member 100/door assembly 50.

The console member 100 may be mounted or otherwise secured to the door assembly 50 about an upper end 52 thereof. In some instances, the control actuators are accessible via (i.e., on or through) an upper portion 54 of the console member 100/door assembly 50. In being so configured, the control actuators may be concealed when the door assembly 50 is in the closed position. In addition, the control actuators may be associated with various performed functions (i.e., wash, rinse, drain), cycles (i.e., heated dry), or programs (i.e., light wash, heavy wash) associated with the dishwasher that may be selected by a user interacting with the control actuators (i.e., pressing a button(s) or touching a touch-sensitive actuator) about the upper portion 54 of the console member 100.

As previously disclosed, the primary handle device 24 may be disposed on or otherwise engaged with the outer surface 28 of the door assembly 50. Also, the primary handle device 24 may be configured as a graspable member for a user to grasp and exert a force on the door assembly 50 to facilitate pivoting thereof between the closed and open positions. More particularly, the second handle device 24 may be accessible outwardly of the outer (appearance) panel member 200 of the door assembly 50 (i.e., attached directly to the outer panel member 200, or attached to the console member 100 or other aspect of the door assembly 50 such that the outer panel member 200 is at least partially disposed therebetween). The outer panel member 200 may be selectively removable (i.e., not permanently secured to) from the door assembly 50 or other components associated therewith. Further, the outer panel member 200 may comprise a series of interchangeable panels such that the exterior appearance of the dishwasher 10 may be changed (i.e., the exterior appearance of the dishwasher altered by interchanging panels) according to certain tastes or décor. For example, the outer panel member 200 comprise interchangeable stainless steel and wood (i.e., wood similar to the adjacent cabinets) panels. However, upon removing the outer panel member 200 from the door assembly 50, the primary handle device 24 is also removed. Normally, the primary handle device 24 provided the graspable member for opening and closing the door assembly 50 via release of the securement effected by the latch assembly. Accordingly, in the absence of the outer panel member 200 (and thus the primary handle device 24) upon removal thereof, a situation may exist in which it may be difficult or otherwise not possible to open and close the door assembly 50, wherein such a situation may only be resolved by replacing the outer panel member 200/primary handle device 24.

In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, with reference to FIGS. 2-8, the dishwasher 10 may thus also include a door assembly 50 having or defining a secondary handle device 150 (“first handle device”) configured as a graspable member. Such a secondary handle device 150 may be accessible upon removal of the outer panel member 200, so as to allow the door assembly 50 to be opened and closed upon removal of the outer panel member 200/second handle device 24 therefrom. In some instances, such a secondary handle device 150 may be included on or otherwise defined by the console member 100 and/or an inner door member 300 forming components of the door assembly 50. In other instances, a medial panel member 400 may be provided as an additional component of the door assembly 50 (i.e., disposed between the inner door member 300 and the outer panel member 200 so as to provide, for example, structural reinforcement of the door assembly 50). In those instances, secondary handle device 150 may be included on or otherwise defined by the console member 100, the inner door member 300, and/or the medial panel member 400. Generally, however, the secondary handle device 150 may be attached to, secured to, or otherwise engaged with the inner door member 300, the console member 100, and/or the medial panel member 400, or combinations thereof, in any suitable manner. In other instances, the secondary handle device 150 may be integrally-formed with the console member 100 and/or the inner door member 300. In such a configuration, the door assembly 50 may provide a system for readily altering the dishwasher appearance via the outer panel member 200, a structurally-rigid assembly (in the absence of the outer panel member 200, as provided, for example, by the inner door member 300 in engagement with the medial panel member 400), and a handle/graspable member provision for allowing the door assembly 50 to be opened when the outer panel member 200/primary handle device 24 is removed therefrom.

In some aspects, the console member 100 may be configured for use and association with a door assembly 50 comprising an integrally-formed and structurally reinforced inner door member 300, wherein the inner door member 300 and the outer panel member 200 may be configured to be removably engaged or secured together to form the door assembly 50. When secured together, the outer panel member 200 is externally disposed with respect to the inner door member 300 (i.e., opposite the inner door member 300 from the tub portion 12), wherein the outer panel member 200 and the inner door member 300 may be configured to cooperate to define a space therebetween such that the console member 100 may be at least partially disposed therebetween.

Such an inner door member 300 may be comprised of a variety of different polymers and/or composite materials (or, in some instances, metallic materials such as stainless steel, though such an embodiment is not discussed in detail herein). The inner door member 300 may be integrally formed as a single component or otherwise integral structure (i.e., integrally-molded using materials that may include, but are not limited to: polymers and composite materials, such as, for example, a molded polymer panel or a fiberglass panel). More particularly, for instance, the inner door member 300 may be integrally-molded or otherwise integrally-formed from a polymeric material, such as talc-filled polypropylene. Such an inner door member 300 may also comprise one or more integrally-molded members or component mounting structures configured to receive and/or have secured thereto at least one or a variety of operative components. More particularly, for instance, the inner door member 300 may include integrally-formed mounting provisions for mounting, securing, or otherwise maintaining the console member 100 in engagement with the door assembly 50. That is, the inner door member 300 may be integrally formed, using heat, pressure, adhesive materials, and/or other composite material processing steps that will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, such that the inner door member 300 may be provided in substantially one piece (i.e., as a “single-piece” component), wherein no separate reinforcement panel or fasteners are required.

In some embodiments, the inner door member 300 may have a first surface 302 and an opposing second surface 304. The first surface 302 may be disposed toward the tub portion 12 of the dishwashing appliance and the second surface 304, generally opposed to the first surface 302, faces outwardly therefrom. The second surface 304, which may be configured to include certain structural reinforcement features, may be positioned to substantially oppose an interior surface 202 of the outer panel member 200, when the outer panel member 200 is coupled to the inner door member 300 to form the door assembly 50. In some aspects, the inner door member 300 may be embossed to define structural reinforcement provisions for providing support and structure for the inner door member 300. The integrally-formed inner door member 300 may thus independently provide a structural door component (thus, possibly eliminating the need for attaching a separate reinforcement member, such as a frame, thereto) capable of pivotably engaging the tub portion 12 of the dishwasher 10. In such instances, the outer panel member 200 may be substantially non-structural and provided essentially for appearance/aesthetic purposes.

As mentioned previously, the door assembly 50 may, in some aspects, further include a medial panel member 400 attached, secured, or otherwise engaged, for example, with or about the second surface 304 of the inner door member 300, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, such that the medial panel member 400 is substantially disposed between the inner door member 300 and the outer panel member 200. In some instances, the medial panel member 400 may be integrally-formed and structurally reinforced (for example, embossed to form or define structural reinforcement provisions). The medial panel member 400 may include flange portions (i.e., extending about the periphery thereof) for engaging the inner door member 300 for attachment thereto. In some instances, the medial panel member 400 may include (in addition or in the alternative) provisions for securement to the console member 100, such that the console member 100 is secured to and at least partially disposed between the inner door member 300 and the medial panel member 400. The secondary handle device 150 defined by or attached to the console member 100 and/or the inner door member 300 may thus be at least partially disposed between the inner door member 300 and the medial panel member 400. In this regard, the medial panel member 400 may also define an aperture 402 or other access provisions for permitting access to the secondary handle device 150 therethrough.

In some instances, the reinforced (i.e., by embossing) medial panel member 400, in cooperation with the inner door member 300 via the securement therebetween, may serve to further rigidify the door assembly 50, wherein the embossed structure 404 of the medial panel member 400 may be configured to prevent bowing, warping or other deformation of the medial panel member 400 and/or the inner door member 300, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4. In such instances, since the embossed structure 404 provides structural rigidity for the medial panel member 400, the embossed structure 404 may also serve as structural attachment points. For example, the aforementioned hinge members (not shown) pivotably connecting the door assembly 50 to the tub portion 12 of the dishwasher 10, may be attached to the door assembly via the embossed structure 404 of the medial panel member 400. That is, the embossed structure 404 may also be configured to provide one or more integrally-formed structural attachment features for receiving other components of the dishwasher, such as the hinge members. In this regard, the pivoting mechanism may be secured between the medial panel member 400 and the tub portion 12 for facilitating the pivotable engagement therebetween. In facilitating such disclosed purposes, the medial panel member 400 may also define fastener apertures 406 for receive fasteners for securing the medial panel member 400 to the console member 100 and/or the inner door member 300.

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the outer panel member 200 may be configured to be removably attached to, secured to, or otherwise engaged with the door assembly 50 (i.e., the console member 100, the inner door member 300, and/or the medial panel member 400) such that the console member 100 is at least partially covered by the outer panel member 200. In some aspects, the outer panel member 200 extends substantially completely across the door assembly 50, so as to extend over the inner door member 300, the medial panel member 400, and the console member 100, when attached thereto. Further, the primary handle device 24 may be provided on or attached directly to the exterior surface 28 of the outer panel member 200. In other instances, the primary handle device 24 may be attached to the console member 100 and/or the inner door member 300 such that the outer panel member 200 is at least partially disposed therebetween.

In so being engaged with the door assembly 50, the outer panel member 200 may define or otherwise include a first portion 250 (i.e., a flanged projection) of an engagement mechanism for facilitating removable securement to, attachment to, or engagement with the console member 100, the inner door member 300, and/or the medial panel member 400. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outer panel member 200 may include a first portion 250 of the engagement mechanism configured to be received by a complementary second portion 260 of the engagement mechanism (i.e., a slot defined by the console member 100, the inner door member 300, and/or the medial door panel 400) for selectively retaining the outer panel member 200 in the desired position with respect to the door assembly 50. In other instances, the outer panel member 200 may (in addition or in the alternative) be fastened or secured to the door assembly 50, for example, by fasteners extending from the first surface 302 of the inner door member 300, through the door assembly 50 (e.g., through fastener holes 500 defined by the door assembly 50), as shown in FIG. 8. In this manner, the various panels 200, 300, 400 function and cooperate as a unit to form the door assembly 50 which, in turn, may be engaged with the tub portion 12 so as to pivot to either close the forward access opening 16 or permit access to the interior of the tub portion 12 of the dishwasher 10.

In practice, the outer panel member 200 may be removed from the door assembly 50 so as to be completely detached from the console member 100, inner door member 300, and medial panel member 400. This, in turn, may necessitate removal of the primary handle member 24 from the door assembly 50. Embodiments of the present disclosure thus provide such a handle provision/graspable member (e.g., secondary handle device 150), accessible only upon removal of the outer panel member 200 from the door assembly 50, for allowing a user to grasp and/or interact with the remainder of the door assembly 50 (i.e., the console member 100, inner door member 300, and/or medial panel member 400), still pivotably engaged with the tub portion 12, for at least opening the door assembly 50 such that the interior of the tub portion 12 may still be accessed in the absence of the outer panel member 200/primary handle member 24.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A door assembly for a dishwashing appliance having a tub portion defining a forward access opening and an interior, the door assembly being pivotably engaged with the tub portion and adapted to cooperate with the tub portion to cover the forward access opening, the door assembly comprising: an inner door member having opposing first and second surfaces, the first surface being adapted to face the interior of the tub portion, the inner door member having an upper end and being configured to pivotably engage the tub portion about a lower end thereof; a console member operably engaged with the inner door member about the upper end thereof, the console member being adapted to receive a control assembly for selectively directing operation of at least one operational component of the dishwashing appliance; a first handle device operably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member; and an outer panel member operably and removably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member, the outer panel member being disposed adjacent to the second surface of the inner door member, and being configured to extend laterally so as to substantially cover the second surface and the console member, the outer panel member having a second handle device operably engaged therewith such that the outer panel member is at least partially disposed between the second handle device and at least one of the inner door member and the console member, the inner door member being pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the second handle device when the outer panel member is operably engaged with the inner door member, and being pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the first handle device when the outer panel member is removed therefrom.
 2. A door assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a medial panel member operably engaged with the inner door member and disposed between the inner door member and the outer panel member, the first handle device being at least partially disposed between the inner door member and the medial panel member, and the first handle device being accessible through an aperture defined by the medial panel member.
 3. A door assembly according to claim 2 further comprising a first portion of an engagement mechanism operably engaged with the outer panel member and a second portion of the engagement mechanism operably engaged with at least one of the inner panel member, the console member, and the medial panel member, the first and second portions of the engagement mechanism being complementarily configured and selectively engageable for removably engaging the outer panel member with the inner door member.
 4. A door assembly according to claim 2 wherein the medial panel member includes an embossed structure integrally formed therewith for structurally reinforcing the medial panel member.
 5. A door assembly according to claim 4 wherein the embossed structure is further configured to receive a pivoting mechanism in engagement therewith, and the pivoting mechanism is further configured to operably engage the tub portion to facilitate the pivotable engagement between the inner door member and the tub portion.
 6. A door assembly according to claim 2 wherein the inner door member further comprises an embossed structure integrally formed therewith for structurally reinforcing the inner door member.
 7. A dishwashing appliance comprising: a tub portion having a plurality of walls defining a forward access opening and an interior; and a door assembly pivotably engaged with the tub portion and configured to cooperate with the tub portion to cover the forward access opening, the door assembly comprising: an inner door member having opposing first and second surfaces, the first surface being configured to face the interior of the tub portion, the inner door member having an upper end and being configured to pivotably engage the tub portion about a lower end thereof; a console member operably engaged with the inner door member about the upper end thereof, the console member being adapted to receive a control assembly for selectively directing operation of at least one operational component of the dishwashing appliance; a first handle device operably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member; and an outer panel member operably and removably engaged with at least one of the inner door member and the console member, the outer panel member being disposed adjacent to the second surface of the inner door member, and being configured to extend laterally so as to substantially cover the second surface and the console member, the outer panel member having a second handle device operably engaged therewith such that the outer panel member is at least partially disposed between the second handle device and at least one of the inner door member and the console member, the inner door member being pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the second handle device when the outer panel member is operably engaged with the inner door member, and being pivotable with respect to the tub portion through interaction with the first handle device when the outer panel member is removed therefrom.
 8. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 7 further comprising a medial panel member operably engaged with the inner door member and disposed between the inner door member and the outer panel member, the first handle device being at least partially disposed between the inner door member and the medial panel member, and the first handle device being accessible through an aperture defined by the medial panel member.
 9. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 8 further comprising a first portion of an engagement mechanism operably engaged with the outer panel member and a second portion of the engagement mechanism operably engaged with at least one of the inner panel member, the console member, and the medial panel member, the first and second portions of the engagement mechanism being complementarily configured and selectively engageable for removably engaging the outer panel member with the inner door member.
 10. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 8 wherein the medial panel member includes an embossed structure integrally formed therewith for structurally reinforcing the medial panel member.
 11. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 10 wherein the embossed structure is further configured to receive a pivoting mechanism in engagement therewith, and the pivoting mechanism is further configured to operably engage the tub portion to facilitate the pivotable engagement between the inner door member and the tub portion.
 12. A dishwashing appliance according to claim 8 wherein the inner door member further comprises an embossed structure integrally formed therewith for structurally reinforcing the inner door member. 